I'm honored to share that I've been selected to join the California SB 1288 Statewide AI Workgroup, convened by the California Department of Education and State Superintendent Tony Thurmond.
Out of nearly 600 applicants across the state, I've been invited to contribute to shaping how California's schools learn with AI and learn about AI.
Why This Matters
AI is no longer a distant possibility in education — it's already here. From real-time feedback systems to adaptive curriculum tools and instructional coaching platforms, AI is fundamentally changing the way educators and students interact with information, tasks, and each other.
But with great potential comes equally great responsibility. The decisions we make now — about access, equity, transparency, and training — will determine whether AI becomes a force for inclusion and empowerment or another layer of digital divide.
What the Workgroup Will Do
The SB 1288 Statewide AI Workgroup is tasked with:
Developing equity-centered frameworks for AI integration in K–12
Creating policy recommendations for safe and effective AI use in schools
Gathering diverse educator, student, and community perspectives
Laying the foundation for AI literacy and professional development
Over the course of three public meetings and working sessions, we'll be sharing insights, evaluating risks, and charting a path forward for schools across California.
Bringing Real-World Experience to the Table
As Technology Innovation Lead at Navigator Schools, I've had the unique opportunity to lead on-the-ground AI implementation efforts — from launching custom coaching platforms to building AI-powered teacher tools aligned to our instructional model.
Our work at Navigator with support from Silicon Schools Fund has shown that when AI is designed for educators, by educators, it can supercharge professional growth and student support.
I'm excited to bring those practitioner insights into the statewide conversation and ensure that decisions are grounded in the realities of school life.
BONUS: See the Coaching Platform in Action
If you're curious about what AI-informed instructional support can actually look like, here's a quick 2-minute walkthrough of the custom coaching dashboard we just launched across four Navigator school sites:
The platform allows coaches to:
Conduct observations aligned to instructional look-fors
Track action steps and evidence
Host live coaching meetings with real-time data
Empower teachers with personalized coaching calendars and portfolios
This is just one example of how thoughtful tech can support meaningful relationships — not replace them.
What Comes Next
The first public meeting is scheduled for August 29, 2025. I'll be sharing reflections after each session, along with resources and ideas from the field. If you're a fellow educator, technologist, or policymaker thinking deeply about AI in schools, I'd love to connect.
This is a pivotal moment for public education — and I'm grateful to be part of a process that's aiming to get it right.
— Dan